Oct 28, 2019, 12:32 am
Last edit by: sammyg901
Last Updated: 21 AUG 2021
Due to various changes to the TK IT-system booking partner awards has taken a great step back. Details below.
Online: Potentially working?
See recent (July 2022) posts - it seems possible to ticket *A online IF you can find availability. A lot of availability does not show. If you can see X or I class on ua.com but not on turkishairlines.com then likely a ticket office can assist
Since August 2021 the online *A ticket payment flow is broken ("continue" button does not appear on the credit card entry page) so transactions cannot be completed. No known workarounds
From 18 Nov 19, you may continue to book partner awards online for selected airlines, routes and options. Not all options that you could book with another partner is bookable through the TK website.
Availability could be checked online via the United website without being a MileagePlus member with the book with miles tool at the flight search engine. Note: For UA flights, check 'X' fare bucket, for other airlines check Saver Award.
TK Hotline: Partially working
From recent reports ( fall 2020 ) in this thread, it is now possible to book *A awards from the TK hotline although still, not all agents are capable to do it; you might need to HUACA multiple times to find an agent that knows how to book *A awards. Although, it's strongly suggested to make your own research on availability before calling them.
Sales Office: Working
A sales office could book *A award tickets. You could call, e-mail or visit them in person. Some offices do not answer phones or do not reply to e-mails so visiting them in person would improve your chances to book a *A award ticket.
First class award: Not working
TK has stopped issuing first class awards since at least September 2019.
Due to various changes to the TK IT-system booking partner awards has taken a great step back. Details below.
Online: Potentially working?
See recent (July 2022) posts - it seems possible to ticket *A online IF you can find availability. A lot of availability does not show. If you can see X or I class on ua.com but not on turkishairlines.com then likely a ticket office can assist
Availability could be checked online via the United website without being a MileagePlus member with the book with miles tool at the flight search engine. Note: For UA flights, check 'X' fare bucket, for other airlines check Saver Award.
TK Hotline: Partially working
From recent reports ( fall 2020 ) in this thread, it is now possible to book *A awards from the TK hotline although still, not all agents are capable to do it; you might need to HUACA multiple times to find an agent that knows how to book *A awards. Although, it's strongly suggested to make your own research on availability before calling them.
Sales Office: Working
A sales office could book *A award tickets. You could call, e-mail or visit them in person. Some offices do not answer phones or do not reply to e-mails so visiting them in person would improve your chances to book a *A award ticket.
First class award: Not working
TK has stopped issuing first class awards since at least September 2019.
Everything You need to know about booking Star Alliance awards with Miles&Smiles
Apr 13, 2022, 11:33 am
#1336
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: BOM-SIN-EWR
Programs: UA*G (1K again), Sixt Plat, *was*: SQ QPP01 & SK EBS/EBG, LH SEN, AA EXP, 9wPlat
Posts: 8,606
The most detailed information I received from UA was this (this is a copy and paste from the customer support over text): There is no fare quote data exist . No, ticketing address or form of payment use. Passenger information are also error and cannot be add or modify here. It just show your flight for (DATE) but not even confirm. Please try to reach out Turkish. This is the error showing here " Mileageplus Sponsor information cannot be located. The SSR FQTR needs to be added back into the PNR. " Meaning your ticket is not successfully book using your turkish miles and they need to farequote again the ticket to reissue.
The last 2 e-mail replies I received as a 1K had *nothing* to do with what I had sent an e-mail for - so count your lucky stars that they are *somewhat* on subject...things are going downhill over there...
Yes, if you have the opportunity to go over to a TK office - that would most definitely be the best bet.
Apr 13, 2022, 11:42 am
#1337
Join Date: Apr 2022
Posts: 2
As an alternative, is it possible to rebook through TK without the lap infant and add the lap infant through UA? UA said that the lap infant seems to be the main issue (not sure why). Does anyone have experience with adding a lap infant with the partner airline after the award flight is already booked?
Apr 13, 2022, 7:31 pm
#1338
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: ORD
Programs: AA EXP, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Expl., SPG Gold
Posts: 43
So, I'm trying to book my first M&S ticket online for a close friend and it won't let me book for anyone other than myself... I live walking distance from the sales office so may head there tomorrow, but there has got to be a workaround here, right?
Apr 13, 2022, 10:52 pm
#1339
Join Date: Jan 2011
Programs: oneworld, * Alliance, Marriott Bonvoy, HHonors, WoH
Posts: 2,120
Visiting sales office is the best solution.
Apr 15, 2022, 9:42 am
#1340
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: allaroundasia
Programs: LH SEN, SPG Plat.M&S E+
Posts: 222
You can call them but be aware it is a nightmare . I think 8 out of 10 agents have no idea how to book a *allIiance ticket with M&S miles.
Last edited by no_idea; Apr 15, 2022 at 11:19 am
Apr 19, 2022, 1:06 pm
#1341
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Portugal
Programs: TK Elite+, FB Platinum, BAEC Gold, ALL Diamond, IHG Diamond Royal Ambassador
Posts: 293
Ok, I tried searching around in the thread and got some clues but not really sure if outdated information so hopefully someone can provide guidance on recent experiences. I've accumulated some TK miles and looking to burn them on a couple upcoming trips. I mostly used TK miles with TK in the past so booking *A awards is new.
I'm looking at UA, TP and NH segments in J but none (as in literally nothing - Y,J multiple dates etc) is showing on the online search.
1. Will TK allow me to book J on UA, TP or NH availability existing ?
2. Does it make a difference to call or head to a sales office in terms of *what the availability is*? In other words would I potentially get results in these channels I'm not seeing on the site ?
3. Is there another site I can use to infer availability? Example: some of the segments on TP are available on miles search on UA's website Does that mean anything?
Thanks for the help with these rather newbie questions 😇
I'm looking at UA, TP and NH segments in J but none (as in literally nothing - Y,J multiple dates etc) is showing on the online search.
1. Will TK allow me to book J on UA, TP or NH availability existing ?
2. Does it make a difference to call or head to a sales office in terms of *what the availability is*? In other words would I potentially get results in these channels I'm not seeing on the site ?
3. Is there another site I can use to infer availability? Example: some of the segments on TP are available on miles search on UA's website Does that mean anything?
Thanks for the help with these rather newbie questions 😇
Apr 19, 2022, 1:10 pm
#1342
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Programs: TK Elite Plus,BAEC GGL,ITA Executive, AFKL Gold,QR Gold,HH Diamond,Bonvoy Gold,ALL Gold
Posts: 14,186
Ok, I tried searching around in the thread and got some clues but not really sure if outdated information so hopefully someone can provide guidance on recent experiences. I've accumulated some TK miles and looking to burn them on a couple upcoming trips. I mostly used TK miles with TK in the past so booking *A awards is new.
I'm looking at UA, TP and NH segments in J but none (as in literally nothing - Y,J multiple dates etc) is showing on the online search.
1. Will TK allow me to book J on UA, TP or NH availability existing ?
2. Does it make a difference to call or head to a sales office in terms of *what the availability is*? In other words would I potentially get results in these channels I'm not seeing on the site ?
3. Is there another site I can use to infer availability? Example: some of the segments on TP are available on miles search on UA's website Does that mean anything?
Thanks for the help with these rather newbie questions 😇
I'm looking at UA, TP and NH segments in J but none (as in literally nothing - Y,J multiple dates etc) is showing on the online search.
1. Will TK allow me to book J on UA, TP or NH availability existing ?
2. Does it make a difference to call or head to a sales office in terms of *what the availability is*? In other words would I potentially get results in these channels I'm not seeing on the site ?
3. Is there another site I can use to infer availability? Example: some of the segments on TP are available on miles search on UA's website Does that mean anything?
Thanks for the help with these rather newbie questions 😇
Contacting a sales office would probably increase the odds that you'll get a competent person to issue your ticket but if the call center agents search everything correctly, they should see the same availability.
Apr 19, 2022, 6:05 pm
#1343
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Sydney, Australia and Stockholm, Sweden
Programs: VA Platinum, SQ Gold, TK Gold, Hhonors Gold, Accor Plus Platinum, Bonvoy Gold, Radisson Premium
Posts: 1,022
He offered to put me through to the call centre. I suspected my email would never be responded to so I reluctantly allowed him to transfer me. To my total surprise the call centre rep spoke great English, was super helpful, completed the booking from beginning to end and even gave me the Amadeus PNR upon request. If only all reps in the call centre could get the basics right like this! Dealing with TK would be so much better.
Apr 23, 2022, 7:38 am
#1344
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,032
How do schedule changes on Star partner awards work on TK?
I got a text and email from TK asking me to call in to reconfirm my ticket otherwise it will be cancelled, so I called in. There was a minor schedule change. The agent confirmed with me that the new schedule was acceptable but said some other department will reissue the ticket and send me an email in the next 1-2 days, which sounds concerning and like it will never happen! I'm not even sure why the ticket needs to be reissued.
The ticket has showed up correctly on United all this while including after the minor schedule change (United doesn't even note the schedule change, I guess since it's the same flight number).
Anything to do or just wait?
I got a text and email from TK asking me to call in to reconfirm my ticket otherwise it will be cancelled, so I called in. There was a minor schedule change. The agent confirmed with me that the new schedule was acceptable but said some other department will reissue the ticket and send me an email in the next 1-2 days, which sounds concerning and like it will never happen! I'm not even sure why the ticket needs to be reissued.
The ticket has showed up correctly on United all this while including after the minor schedule change (United doesn't even note the schedule change, I guess since it's the same flight number).
Anything to do or just wait?
Apr 23, 2022, 9:00 am
#1345
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Kent, UK
Programs: M&S Elite+
Posts: 3,657
How do schedule changes on Star partner awards work on TK?
I got a text and email from TK asking me to call in to reconfirm my ticket otherwise it will be cancelled, so I called in. There was a minor schedule change. The agent confirmed with me that the new schedule was acceptable but said some other department will reissue the ticket and send me an email in the next 1-2 days, which sounds concerning and like it will never happen! I'm not even sure why the ticket needs to be reissued.
The ticket has showed up correctly on United all this while including after the minor schedule change (United doesn't even note the schedule change, I guess since it's the same flight number).
Anything to do or just wait?
I got a text and email from TK asking me to call in to reconfirm my ticket otherwise it will be cancelled, so I called in. There was a minor schedule change. The agent confirmed with me that the new schedule was acceptable but said some other department will reissue the ticket and send me an email in the next 1-2 days, which sounds concerning and like it will never happen! I'm not even sure why the ticket needs to be reissued.
The ticket has showed up correctly on United all this while including after the minor schedule change (United doesn't even note the schedule change, I guess since it's the same flight number).
Anything to do or just wait?
Apr 23, 2022, 11:08 am
#1346
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Denmark
Programs: TK Elite
Posts: 11,848
How do schedule changes on Star partner awards work on TK?
I got a text and email from TK asking me to call in to reconfirm my ticket otherwise it will be cancelled, so I called in. There was a minor schedule change. The agent confirmed with me that the new schedule was acceptable but said some other department will reissue the ticket and send me an email in the next 1-2 days, which sounds concerning and like it will never happen! I'm not even sure why the ticket needs to be reissued.
The ticket has showed up correctly on United all this while including after the minor schedule change (United doesn't even note the schedule change, I guess since it's the same flight number).
Anything to do or just wait?
I got a text and email from TK asking me to call in to reconfirm my ticket otherwise it will be cancelled, so I called in. There was a minor schedule change. The agent confirmed with me that the new schedule was acceptable but said some other department will reissue the ticket and send me an email in the next 1-2 days, which sounds concerning and like it will never happen! I'm not even sure why the ticket needs to be reissued.
The ticket has showed up correctly on United all this while including after the minor schedule change (United doesn't even note the schedule change, I guess since it's the same flight number).
Anything to do or just wait?
Apr 23, 2022, 11:41 am
#1347
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,032
After a schedule change the ticket needs to be reissued - I don't think TK revalidates ticket (i.e. the ticket No remains the same). If the ticket has been reissued you will see a new ticket No. If the ticket No. is the same as originally issued, you ticket hasn't been reissued yet. But be patient; I may take longer for the ticket to get reissued if your travel is not immediate and the ticketing queue is long.
Just for academic curiosity, is it ‘out of sync’ or something right now? Like what would happen if someone tried to fly it as is without the ticket being reissued?
Apr 23, 2022, 11:47 am
#1348
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Programs: TK Elite Plus,BAEC GGL,ITA Executive, AFKL Gold,QR Gold,HH Diamond,Bonvoy Gold,ALL Gold
Posts: 14,186
This is an irritation with TK. Minor (less than 30 minutes) schedule changes should automatically be assumed to be accepted assuming it does not break a MCT. You would only then need to call if it was not acceptable for some reason. I would be inclined to call again in 1-2 days just to be sure.
Usually in cases where the ticket is not reissued, at check-in, you are directed to the sales counter so that a ticketing agent could re-issue your ticket but if this is a partner award, TK would not touch the ticket and ask you to contact the issuing carrier of the ticket unless it's a cancellation/schedule change that was made on the date of travel.
Apr 23, 2022, 11:54 am
#1349
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,032
Turkish law says that all schedule changes over 16 minutes are counted as involuntary and a full refund, a free change, and flexibility must be provided to the passenger. This applies for all flights on Turkish carriers and all flights departing from Turkey. In these cases, TK has no right to auto-revalidate the ticket without the passengers consent.
Usually in cases where the ticket is not reissued, at check-in, you are directed to the sales counter so that a ticketing agent could re-issue your ticket but if this is a partner award, TK would not touch the ticket and ask you to contact the issuing carrier of the ticket unless it's a cancellation/schedule change that was made on the date of travel.
Usually in cases where the ticket is not reissued, at check-in, you are directed to the sales counter so that a ticketing agent could re-issue your ticket but if this is a partner award, TK would not touch the ticket and ask you to contact the issuing carrier of the ticket unless it's a cancellation/schedule change that was made on the date of travel.
Apr 23, 2022, 11:56 am
#1350
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Programs: TK Elite Plus,BAEC GGL,ITA Executive, AFKL Gold,QR Gold,HH Diamond,Bonvoy Gold,ALL Gold
Posts: 14,186
Although, if there is a TK office near you, it would be useful to contact them or visit them in person so that they could check the status of the ticket.
Also calling United and verifying the status of your ticket would be a good indicator.